Some travelers have expressed nervousness about flying on Boeing aircraft after a series of flight problems in the past three months. This has led to some travelers trying to book flights on other planes, while others have turned to prayer or medications to cope with their fear. The shift in attitude towards Boeing aircraft began in January after an incident involving an Alaska Airlines jetliner where a panel blew off an unused emergency door, causing concern among many passengers.
One traveler, Leila Amineddoleh, stated that she cannot bring herself to board a Boeing aircraft even though the chances of getting hurt are slim. Despite data showing that more Americans die in motor vehicle accidents each year compared to airplane crashes, concerns about air safety, especially with Boeing planes, are still prevalent among travelers. This fear has led some passengers to change their flight plans and seek alternative options such as flying on Airbus planes.
Some travelers, like Stephanie Walls, have been prompted to seek other options such as praying during flights or booking flights on aircraft other than Boeing after facing fear or anxiety related to flying. Others, like Adrian Rojas, who have a fear of flying, have resorted to therapy and anti-anxiety medication to cope with their anxiety. Rojas specifically avoids Boeing Max series planes and re-books flights to minimize the mental stress he experiences before boarding a flight.
Following the Alaska Airlines incident, travel search engine Kayak observed a significant increase in the usage of its aircraft filter feature, indicating a heightened interest among travelers in knowing the specific aircraft model before booking flights. Additionally, the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the incident, and the FBI has begun notifying passengers that they may be considered possible victims of a crime in relation to the event. Boeing, on the other hand, recently failed 33 aspects of a federal audit, bringing attention to the company’s noncompliance issues.
Boeing’s CEO, David Calhoun, acknowledged the increased scrutiny on the company in a memo to employees, stating that it will ultimately lead to improvements in their operations. Despite the concerns and incidents involving Boeing aircraft, it is important to note that the last deadly crash involving a U.S. airliner occurred in 2009, highlighting the overall safety of air travel in comparison to other modes of transportation. While some travelers may continue to experience fear or anxiety related to flying, airlines and regulators continue to prioritize safety and address any issues that may arise in order to ensure the well-being of passengers.
